Faezeh Jadidian

BACKGROUND: In recent years, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have been used more extensively to diagnose diabetic retinopathy and other diseases. Still, the effectiveness of these methods has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and limitations of machine learning and deep learning algorithms in detecting diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: This study was conducted based on the PRISMA checklist. We searched online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, for relevant articles up to September 30, 2023. After the title, abstract, and full-text screening, data extraction and quality assessment were done for the included studies. Finally, a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: We included 76 studies with a total of 1,371,517 retinal images, of which 51 were used for meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed a significant sensitivity and specificity with a percentage of 90.54 (95%CI [90.42, 90.66], P < 0.001) and 78.33% (95%CI [78.21, 78.45], P < 0.001). However, the AUC (area under curvature) did not statistically differ across studies, but had a significant figure of 0.94 (95% CI [- 46.71, 48.60], P = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Although machine learning and deep learning algorithms can properly diagnose diabetic retinopathy, their discriminating capacity is limited. However, they could simplify the diagnosing process. Further studies are required to improve algorithms.

Age-related neurological disorders (ANDs), including neurodegenerative diseases, are complex illnesses with an increasing risk with advancing years. The central nervous system's neuropathological conditions, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein misfolding, are what define ANDs. Due to the rise in age-dependent prevalence, efforts have been made to combat ANDs. Vitis vinifera has a long history of usage to treat a variety of illness symptoms. Because multiple ligand sites may be targeted, Vitis vinifera components can be employed to treat ANDs. This is demonstrated by the link between the structure and action of these compounds. This review demonstrates that Vitis vinifera and its constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, stilbenoids and aromatic acids, are effective at reducing the neurological symptoms and pathological conditions of ANDs. This is done by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The active Vitis vinifera ingredients have therapeutic effects on ANDs, as this review explains.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common complications of total thyroidectomy is post-operative transient or persistent hypoparathyroidism that can cause symptomatic hypocalcaemia. To prevent this complication, shorten the period of hospitalization and reduce morbidity, routine supplementation of oral vitamin D and calcium has been suggested. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to critically assess the association between pre-operative calcitriol supplementation and post-operative hypocalcaemia. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial studies were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to 30 March 2023. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts of articles were performed, and data were extracted for a meta-analysis. RESULTS: This meta-analysis includes data from nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 1259 patients but with significant heterogeneity. The results demonstrate that calcium levels were higher in patients who had pre-operative calcitriol supplementation, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.00, 0.37). Pre-operative calcitriol supplementation did not lead to significant changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, with WMD -0.49 (95% CI: -1.91, 0.94). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative calcitriol supplementation leads to higher calcium levels, but the high heterogeneity of the included studies (79% to 98.7%) could affect the results.

Key Clinical Message As only early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, and appropriate antibiotic therapy can decrease clostridial MAA mortality rate; keeping in mind a broad differential diagnosis in a patient with sepsis and unusual vascular symptoms is important. Abstract Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is an infrequent but very consequential condition characterized by the pathological disruption of the aorta due to infection. Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium that falls under the taxonomic classification of the genus Clostridium. Although mycotic aneurysm is often not commonly linked with this infection, there are instances when it may function as a causative agent for MAA. Timely diagnosis and thorough therapeutic techniques, including surgical intervention and quick administration of appropriate antibiotics, can potentially reduce the mortality rate associated with clostridial MAA. In this study, we presented a clinical report detailing the diagnosis of a mycotic aneurysm caused by C. perfringens in the thoracic aorta in a 66‐year‐old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus and a recent prostate biopsy. Furthermore, we discussed the surgical approach and overall management strategy to address this case.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure are often diagnosed based on clinical signs and serological markers. Finding biomarkers with greater sensitivity and specificity for heart failure patients who also have episodic dyspnea is a challenge for researchers. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous research to determine the diagnostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide as a potential biomarker in heart failure patients experiencing acute dyspnea. METHODS: By searching PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to March 2023, all cross-sectional and cohort studies were selected according to the PRISMA guidelines and assessed by the Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test for bias. RESULTS: A total of thirty-five qualifying studies had their data extracted. In 26 investigations (n=16002), the precision of B-type natriuretic peptide was evaluated. There were significant differences in the reported sensitivity and specificity between trials. One research study yielded the lowest sensitivity of 0.76 (0.68, 0.82), with a prevalence of 46% for heart failure and a BNP level of ≥500 pg/ml. Specificity grew but stayed variable as the threshold rose, whereas sensitivity declined. A diagnostic meta-analysis was carried out on 14 trials (n=6313) to determine the accuracy of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide. When the threshold is raised, the pattern in NTproBNP is similar to that of B-type natriuretic peptides, with sensitivity falling and specificity increasing. Following the final analysis, the confidence areas surrounding the pooled sensitivity and specificity for BNP vs NTproBNP showed a distinct overlap. The overlap indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the tests at the <100 pg/ml and ≤300 pg/ml rule-out levels, respectively (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis reveals a substantial degree of congruity in the sensitivity and specificity between the levels of BNP and NTproBNP as biomarkers. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that, in the end, there exists a potential for overlooking heart failure diagnoses. Larger future studies, overcoming past limitations, could likely establish a consensus.